Installing the Parent Tray

So, now we are officially within the 2 week window and at yellow alert. Friday was a glimpse into our future as parents on the weekends. Gone are the days (for a while, anyway) of going out to dinner and/or a movie. The first night of the weekend was spent assembling the stroller and the playard. It’s like some NASA guy got tired of launching rockets and went into the child transport/containment industry.
(I apologize to parents who will think my amazement is overrated, but this is my first time experiencing these creations.)

Let’s start with the stroller. Or as it is so lovingly labeled on the gigantic box in which it arrived, TRAVEL SYSTEM. The only difference between this beast and my first car, a ’72 Nova, is the Nova ran on gasoline. I knew something was up when the directions mentioned “installing the parent tray.” The Cortina Travel System, Explorer is designed as an all-in-one stroller/baby carrier/shopping cart experience. It’s perfect for your weekend visit to the mall.

The convenience is quite amazing. The baby carrier “shuttle vehicle” docks with the stroller mother ship then snaps into an anchored landing pad in the back seat of your car. Made of some space-age alloy, the stroller/surface excursion module not only provides a comfortable seating/sleeping area for the child, but was created with parental comfort in mind. There is a tray for the child that snaps in to the front portion, complete with a beverage/food holder area that can be (and will be) removed for cleaning purposes. It comes as a convertible model, but a flick of the wrist covers baby from the elements and the peering eyes of that strange guy over by Cinnabon. Up by the adjustable steering column is another tray, this one designed for the parent on the go with two latte positions and a mini glove compartment for keys and wipes, of course. But wait, you can store your diaper bag/purse/Hickory Farms Cheese Sampler in the netted pocket underneath! What will they think of next? How about a one-button folding mechanism that makes the entire device flat enough to store in the trunk of your car? Done.

Now for the playard. These used to be called play pens, but they have evolved into so much more. Not only is the Windsor Wave designed as a transportable kiddy cage, but they are also a take along bassinet/changing table. Sure, it’s fairly light and has wheels, but with just a few adjustments, the top becomes a sleeping area complete with bassinet cover and mobile. And get this; it also comes with a two-speed vibrating mattress pad, dual lighting, five classical songs, two sets of nature sounds and a timer for all of it. A few more additions and it becomes a changing table complete with pad and storage for powders, lotions, diapers and wipes. It’s Skylab for infants.

So now we have the kid covered for travel. Keeping her amused and entertained at home is another issue. I’m sure Heather is glad that daddy doesn’t take batteries.